Advertisements are a great way for Web sites that provide free services to help recoup the cost of operation. When ads pop up on YouTube, they're not too much of an issue, and are generally viewed as inevitable. However, if you're trying to find a specific video, waiting through a 20- to 30-second ad each time can become very frustrating. Fortunately for Chrome users there's an extension called Skip ads on YouTube - No illegal block, which allows you to skip the ads and get straight to the video.

This is the YouTube ad-blocking extension for Chrome. Just click on the blue button to install it.
Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

First you'll need to grab a copy of the extension, Skip ads on YouTube - No illegal block, from the Chrome Web Store. When the window pops up to install it, click on Add to Chrome.

An ad playing on YouTube--a familiar sight when trying to watch a video.
Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Next, head to YouTube and start browsing as you would normally. If your luck is anything like mine, you probably won't even get an ad in your first few attempts to test the extension (ha ha).

Click on the blue play button to skip the YouTube ad and get to the video.
Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Once you get an ad that plays before your video, click on the blue play button that the extension adds above the video. The ad should end and the video should start playing.

Requiring a conscious decision to skip ads is actually a nice feature of this extension. For situations where time may be of the essence you can keep ads from slowing you down. The rest of the time, when you might feel like being supportive of your favorite free services, you can ignore the button and let the ads play.

About the author

Nicole Cozma has an affinity for Android apps and devices, but loves technology in general. Based out of the Tampa Bay Area, she enjoys being a spectator to both sunsets and lightning storms.
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